The handling of UF6 and preparation of AUC

Ammonium uranyl carbonate, (NH4)4UO2(CO3)3 has been synthesized, starting with uranium hexafluoride by continuously introducting uranium hexafluoride, ammonia and carbon dioxide gases into the saturated ammonium carbonate solution in the fluidized precipitator. These were subjected to hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride and subsequent reaction with ammonia and carbon dioxide gases to give the granular type of ammomium uranyl carbonate. All of the properties of AUC obtained from UF6 are suitable for the preparation of sinterable uranium dioxide powder. The transfer of UF6 from a large cylinder ( 2 ton) to a small cylinder (4 l) has sucessfully been done as gaseous phase via evaporation and condensation. The complete hydrolysis of UF6 especially a large amount of UF6 being used, are to be examined in the future. (Author)